Matthew Kneale Books in Order

Picture a British storyteller who spun a tale of smugglers, vicars, and Tasmanian history with such flair it nabbed a major literary prize—meet Matthew Kneale! Born in 1960, this historical fiction...

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Picture a British storyteller who spun a tale of smugglers, vicars, and Tasmanian history with such flair it nabbed a major literary prize—meet Matthew Kneale! Born in 1960, this historical fiction maestro is best known for his Whitbread-winning novel English Passengers, a multi-voiced epic that blends humor, adventure, and sharp social commentary. With a knack for bringing the past to life, Kneale’s stories captivate readers worldwide.

The Making of Matthew Kneale

Born in London to a literary lineage—his parents were writers Nigel Kneale and Judith Kerr, and his grandfather was essayist Alfred Kerr—Matthew Kneale was destined for storytelling. Raised in Barnes, he studied Modern History at Oxford’s Magdalen College, fueling his passion for the past. After graduating in 1982, he taught English in Japan, where he began crafting short stories, inspired by his travels across Europe, South America, and Asia.

His time in Tokyo sparked his debut novel, Whore Banquets (1987), later reissued as Mr Foreigner. This tale of an Englishman entangled in Japanese organized crime won the Somerset Maugham Award, marking Kneale as a bold new voice. His early works showed a fascination with cultural clashes and human quirks, themes that would define his career.

Matthew Kneale’s Unforgettable Stories

Kneale’s masterpiece, English Passengers (2000), is a tour de force of historical fiction. Narrated by 21 voices, it follows a motley crew—including a vicar seeking the Garden of Eden in Tasmania and a smuggler captain—against the backdrop of British colonialism’s brutal impact on Aboriginal Tasmanians. Its wit, vivid characters like the Aboriginal Peevay, and meticulous research earned it the 2000 Whitbread Book of the Year Award and a Booker Prize nomination.

Other notable works include When We Were Romans (2007), a poignant novel narrated by a nine-year-old boy grappling with his mother’s paranoia during a chaotic trip to Italy. Small Crimes in an Age of Abundance (2005) offers 12 global short stories exploring moral dilemmas, while Rome: A History in Seven Sackings (2018) showcases Kneale’s nonfiction prowess, tracing Rome’s cultural evolution through its tumultuous history.

Kneale’s style is a blend of sharp humor, emotional depth, and ventriloquism—each character’s voice feels distinct and authentic. His passion for history and travel shines through, creating immersive worlds that balance farce with profound human truths.

Why Matthew Kneale Matters

Matthew Kneale’s work transcends typical historical fiction, offering a lens into the complexities of human history and cultural encounters. English Passengers exposed the horrors of colonialism with a satirical edge, influencing how readers perceive Britain’s imperial past. His ability to weave multiple perspectives into cohesive narratives has inspired writers and delighted readers, earning him a lasting place in literary circles.

Now living in Rome with his wife and two children, Kneale continues to explore history’s nuances, from medieval pilgrimages in Pilgrims (2020) to lockdown life in The Rome Plague Diaries (2021). His stories remind us that the past is never just a backdrop—it’s a mirror to our present.

  • Born: November 24, 1960, London, UK
  • Key Works: English Passengers, When We Were Romans, Rome: A History in Seven Sackings
  • Awards: Whitbread Book of the Year (2000), Somerset Maugham Award (1988)
  • Lives: Rome, Italy

Snag English Passengers and dive into Matthew Kneale’s brilliant blend of history, humor, and heart!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matthew Kneale?

Matthew Kneale is a British author born in 1960, famous for his historical fiction novel English Passengers, which won the 2000 Whitbread Book of the Year. Son of writers, he crafts multi-voiced stories blending humor and history.

What is Matthew Kneale’s most famous book?

English Passengers (2000) is Matthew Kneale’s most famous book, a historical fiction epic with 21 narrators. It won the Whitbread Award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

What inspired Matthew Kneale to write English Passengers?

Kneale conceived English Passengers on a South American bus, inspired by a childhood documentary about Tasmania’s colonial history and his interest in Victorian Britain’s flaws.

What themes does Matthew Kneale explore in his books?

Matthew Kneale explores themes like colonialism, cultural clashes, and human resilience in his books, using humor and multiple voices to highlight history’s moral complexities.

Where does Matthew Kneale live now?

Matthew Kneale lives in Rome, Italy, with his wife and two children, where he continues to write historical fiction and nonfiction inspired by his travels.